Similarities and Differences between Mormons and Catholics

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church or Mormon Church), and Roman Catholicism, the largest Christian denomination, have several similarities. Of course, they also have significant theological, doctrinal, and organizational differences, leading some to question are Mormons Christians like Catholics are Christian. Here, will examine both the similarities and differences between these two religions.

Belief in Jesus Christ

Both Mormonism and Catholicism center their faith around Jesus Christ. They believe in His divinity, His role as the Savior of humanity, and His atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world. Both religions emphasize the importance of following the teachings of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament. They focus on living according to His example and teachings of love, charity, and service.

However, Roman Catholics and the LDS Church’s concept of God and the Trinity is one of the significant differences between these religions. Roman Catholics believe in the Trinity, which is historically defined as The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit being of the same substance. They are co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial (of one substance). Catholicism maintains that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, existing outside of time and space. 

In contrast, Mormons believe in a Godhead consisting of three distinct beings: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. They are united in purpose but separate in person. Mormons believe that God is omnipotent and omniscient, but not that He is omnipresent or exists outside of time and space. A significant LDS belief about God is that He wants all of His children to become like Him. Consequently, Mormons believe in the potential for humans to become like God (theosis), a process that involves progressing to a divine state through obedience to God’s commandments, making covenants, repentance, and sanctification through the atonement of Jesus Christ. 

So, are Mormons Christians since they believe in Jesus Christ, even though they have different beliefs than Roman Catholics about the Trinity? Mormons say yes, as they consider the most important Christian belief, faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement. Other Christian denominations might say otherwise.

Scriptures

Both Roman Catholics and the LDS Church regard the Bible as a sacred text. Catholics use the Bible in their worship and doctrine, including the Old and New Testaments, as do Mormons. In both religions, there are additional scriptural texts that are regarded as canon. In Mormonism, these additional scriptures include the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Roman Catholics have additional texts like the Deuterocanonical books, which are included in their version of the Old Testament, these books include, Tobias, Judith, Baruch, Ecclesiasticus, Wisdom, First and Second Maccabees, and Greek additions to Esther and Daniel. 

Regarding scriptures, one notable difference in the LDS Church is that they believe in an open scriptural canon. Mormons believe their leaders are ordained as prophets, seers, and revelators and believe in ongoing revelation through these modern prophets. The current President of the LDS Church is considered a prophet who can receive divine guidance. 

Although not entirely the same, Roman Catholicism also claims a belief in doctrinal and substantive changes through ecumenical councils. Are Mormons Christian if they believe in continuing revelation? 

Sacraments and Ordinances

Mormon sacrament

Roman Catholic communion

Both religions believe in the essential nature of certain rites–without these rites, salvation is impossible in the afterlife. In Roman Catholicism, these essential rites are called sacraments and in Mormonism, they are called ordinances. Roman Catholics recognize seven sacraments as means of grace: Baptism, Eucharist (Holy Communion), Confirmation, Reconciliation (Confession), Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Mormons have several key ordinances, including baptism (by immersion), confirmation (receiving the Holy Ghost), the sacrament (similar to communion), temple endowment, and celestial marriage.

For both religions, baptism is an essential sacrament or ordinance. However, Roman Catholics typically baptize infants, while Mormons baptize individuals from the age of eight and older, viewing it as a personal covenant with God that requires the baptized person to keep certain promises.

Both faiths observe a form of the Eucharist. Catholics celebrate the Eucharist as the literal body and blood of Christ through transubstantiation. Mormons call the eucharist the sacrament and partake of the sacrament only as a symbolic remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice.

Views on Afterlife and Salvation

There are some significant differences between Mormon Christian and Roman Catholic Christian beliefs in the afterlife. Roman Catholics believe in heaven for the righteous, hell for the damned, and purgatory. Purgatory is a temporary state of purification for those destined for heaven but needing to be cleansed of venial sins. Catholics teach that salvation is achieved through faith in Christ, participation in the sacraments, good works, and adherence to Church teachings.

Mormons believe in a three-tiered heaven (Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial Kingdoms) where individuals are judged and assigned by God based on their acceptance of His gospel, its ordinances, and their faithfulness to the testimony of Jesus Christ. Mormons believe that almost all people will receive some degree of glory in the afterlife, with the highest glory reserved for those who follow the LDS Church’s teachings and ordinances.

Organizational Structure

Both religions have a hierarchical leadership structure. The Pope, as the leader of the Roman Catholic Church, is believed to be the successor to Saint Peter, the chief apostle of Jesus. He has supreme authority over the Church. The Pope is supported by bishops and cardinals who have jurisdiction over dioceses and other church matters. Although there are lay members who serve in the Roman Catholic church, the majority of the clergy, including priests and deacons, are ordained after completing extensive theological education and training. They are considered part of a sacramental priesthood.

The LDS Church is led by a President, who is considered a prophet. The President along with his two counselors make up the First Presidency of the church. It is the highest governing body of the church. The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is the second-highest governing body of the church. When men are called to either council, they leave behind their careers to serve. Local leaders and clergy in the LDS Church are lay members who serve without formal theological training and are not paid for their church service. The organizational structure of the Mormon Church seems to have very little to do with the question are Mormons Christians. But perhaps a consideration of priesthood authority could help answer part of the question.

Both churches ordain men with priesthood authority. The Roman Catholic Church ordains men to the priesthood, based on tradition and doctrinal beliefs about the nature of the priesthood and the example set by Jesus and His apostles. Roman Catholic men must apply for this privilege and after their approval they must commit to living certain standards. Women can serve as nuns or in other religious orders, dedicating their lives to service, prayer, and sometimes teaching and healthcare.

The LDS Church has two levels of priesthood: the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods, which are conferred upon all worthy male members. Women do not hold the priesthood but serve in auxiliary organizations like the Relief Society. While men hold priesthood offices, women play significant roles in teaching, service, and leadership within the church’s auxiliary organizations.

Moral and Ethical Teachings

Both faiths place a strong emphasis on the importance of family life and moral values. They teach the sanctity of marriage and the importance of raising children within the faith. Both religions advocate for a range of social issues including the importance of chastity before marriage, and the promotion of charitable works.

Roman Catholicism supports numerous charitable organizations like Catholic Charities, including a variety of organizations supported by local dioceses. The LDS Church has global charity programs such as LDS Charities and volunteer missionary work, all of which are carried out by its members.

Conclusion

While there are significant theological and doctrinal differences between Mormonism and Catholicism, they also share significant elements of worship. The similarities highlight common ground in their focus on Christ, moral teachings, community service, and hierarchical organization. So, are Mormons Christians like Catholics? These similarities seem to reflect broader Christian principles that both traditions uphold in their respective practices and beliefs.

About Mormonism Explained

Mormonism Explained is a resource that was designed to provide objective and factual information about Mormonism, its history, doctrines, and policies. Our team of researchers consults experts and primary sources to present factual information on a variety of topics relevant to the Mormon Church.

Tags